But somehow, the topic of lesbianism or bisexuality managed to slip into at least a few episodes of almost every season, and over time, the show served as a barometer of America’s mixed feelings about women who sleep
with other women.

We learn in the very first episode in 1994 that Ross has a lesbian ex-wife, Carol (played in the first few episodes by Anita Barone, then beginning in Episode 1.8 by Jane Sibbett), who left him after several years of marriage for her friend Susan (Jessica Hecht). The relationship between Carol and Susan is seen primarily through Ross’ eyes, especially in the beginning, as he embodies the uneasiness many straight men have with lesbians and lesbian relationships.

Denial and confusion over how to refer to and explain lesbian relationships is humorously explored in Episode 1.16 when Ross, Susan, and Carol attend their first lamaze class together:

At Susan and Carol’s apartment to pick up Ben in Episode 1.12, Ross sees a photo of Carol and Susan with a friend, and innocently asks “Hey when did you and Susan meet Huey Lewis?” then looks embarrassed when she tells him it’s their friend Tanya.

The audience are meant to laugh at this both because of Ross’s naivete, and because women who look like men are funny.

When Carol then asks Ross “Don’t you want to know about the sex?” (meaning the sex of the baby), he misunderstands and responds with a nervous laugh, “I’m having enough trouble with the image of you and Susan
together, when you throw in Tanya — ”

Besides just laughing at Ross’ mistake, the audience is also meant to identify with Ross’ confusion over and discomfort with what two women do in bed together (especially when one of them is his ex-wife).